Books on the Brain

A writer's life is an interesting one...

Currently excited about my newest book coming out at the end of this month.
 - Daughters of the Valley -

I will have 4 books published... unbelievable!

Taking a moment to step back and consider all that is happening and realizing how thankful I am for the opportunity to have this career.

I am currently writing 2 series. The Wildflowers series is my main focus. 1850's Oregon with a passel of characters that I dearly love. Corinne, Angela, Violet & Clive are real to me and their stories continue to teach me things everyday.

The second series is set in the late 1870's with a young lady named Elsabeth Jameson... a cozy mystery series that excites me exceedingly. Funny characters and intriguing mysteries abound. I intend to finish book 4 of the Wildflowers series before I move forward with the new series but I will admit to taking moments of inspiration to write when I cannot contain a scene.

Not sure how to have more than one story in my head at the same time but I am thankful for the fun of having new ideas to share with the world.

My encouragement to all those that have a dream. Go for it. Use your spare time wisely and make it happen.

~ Leah Banicki ~

Set to release September 26th

Daughters of the Valley

Book 4 of Wildflowers Series

Working Hands

I don't have pretty hands. I never have.

My fingers are not long and elegant. I had a really hard time learning to play guitar & I could not reach a full octave on a piano keyboard.

I accepted long ago that my hands were my hands. No big deal to just face what is as what is. I am pretty practical that way.

Something has built up inside of me over the last decade or so.  I have had many jobs using my hands.

A waitress, shoe saleswoman etc... - I used my hands to serve people.

A singer - I used my hands to express my emotions or clap to the Lord in worship.

A mother - to hold and comfort my child.

A wife  - to have and to hold my husband.

A daughter, sister, aunt, niece and friend - hugs are meant to be shared.

A housekeeper - to do what must be done. The daily grind we all do.


A helper - whether I am helping an author get published, or creating a book cover. I love that my hands know what to do.

A writer - my fingers are an extension of my thoughts. It is miraculous to me sometimes. Hours can go by and I never really was conscious of where the keys are.The story can flow. I pray while I write and hope that God blesses me with the words. Sometimes I am not sure where the inspiration came from. I like it that way.

I have always loved the verse. Deuteronomy 28:12

The Lord shall open to you His good treasury, the heavens, to give the rain of your land in its season and to bless all the work of your hands; and you shall lend to many nations, but you shall not borrow.

The verse  gives a gal like me hope. I don't have anything about me that is perfect. But with God's blessing on my work I feel like I can contribute. 

I may be sickly, flawed, insecure and human but I can do work in God's kingdom. Little old me. With stubby hands and a big heart.

Bible Gateway - 

Deuteronomy 28:11-13

Sending a special thanks to my daughter - who painted my nails today and inspired me. Something as simple as polka dot nail polish can make a person think. 

~ Leah Banicki

Find out more about Leah Banicki's books at 

www.facebook.com/Leah.Banicki.Novelist

 

Overcoming the Darkness

When the darkness tries to take over me, 

Flooding me with terrifying fear.

I shake and my tears are unstoppable.

Jagged thoughts and every hideous word ever said to me returns.

The thoughts are said in my own voice in my mind, 

But I know who truly speaks...

The dark whispers come from a defeated foe!

I cry out – with my tattered shreds of faith

From this place of ruin and loss 

and I...AM...HEARD

God's Holy Peace, 

Nothing missing, nothing broken, 

Is given to me freely.

I am His – He is mine. 

I am saved!

     ~ Leah Banicki